David R. Eisner

High predictive accuracy for detection of left main coronary artery disease by antilog signal processing of two-dimensional echocardiographic images

Two-dimensional echocardiography has been used to image the left main coronary artery. We have successfully imaged the left main coronary artery in 16 of 19 patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) and in 14 of 18 control patients using a dynamically focused 3-1/2 MHz experimental phased array sector scanner. Images were displayed with standard logarithmic compression grey scale allocation and with a modified antilog curve which enhances high intensity echoes. All of the 16 patients with LMCAD were identified from the antilog processed image. Only 1 of the 18 control patients had a false positive study. Modified antilog processed images provide high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (93%) for detecting LMCAD. This noninvasive technique could be used to screen patients for the presence or absence of LMCAD.